Lebanon, again a model for the Middle East

30/03/2005

Dozens of Lebanese political prisoners still held in Syrian jails

29/03/2005

New government might be announced as UN vets Hariri assassination probe. Syrian troops complete pullout whilst people wait for results from Nassrallah-Jumblatt meeting.

26/03/2005

Lebanese government dismisses UN report on Hariri killing

UN accuses Syria and Lebanon's security services, but Beirut denies any involvement in the case.

23/03/2005

Sfeir calls for a government that would prepare the elections and work for reconciliation

The Patriarch and some lawmakers demand the release of Geagea. Two people die in an explosion in a shopping centre in a Christian area near Jounieh.

22/03/2005

We want a free, independent and sovereign Lebanon, says Patriarch Sfeir

The head of the Maronite Church speaks about his visit to the US.

14/03/2005

Cardinal Sfeir: full sovereignty for Beirut, but demonstrations are worrisome

The Patriarch leaves today for the US, while yesterday Syria announced plans to pullout by April and while opposition groups count on leading a million demonstrators.

11/03/2005

Christian-Sunni opposition rejects new pro-Syrian government

10/03/2005

Opposition backed by Patriarch Sfeir meets

Before Patriarch Sfeir leaves for the US to visit President Bush opposition will examine developments following Assad's speech, Hezbollah's rally and Syrian army redeployment.

09/03/2005

New government caught between opposing demonstrations

UN Resolution 1559 is the bone of contention between pro-Syrian Hezbollah and the opposition. Patriarch Sfeir backs resolution and is preparing for his Washington trip.

07/03/2005

Syria is to start redeploying its troops in Lebanon today, not to withdraw

07/03/2005

Lebanon has a right to sovereignty, says Patriarch Sfeir

On the eve of his departure to Washington Patriarch Sfeir demands respect for United Nations resolutions. Armenian bishops call for a government of national unity to implement agreements.

04/03/2005

Lebanon becomes once again a model for the Middle East

Druze asking Christians for forgiveness; Christians praying for Sunnis: Lebanon's peaceful revolution is a source of hope for democracy in the entire Middle East. The "land of cedars" remains the best example of coexistence in the region. But the international community is needed. Fr Samir, an Egyptian Jesuit, is a professor of the History of Arab Culture and Islamic Studies at Beirut's Saint-Joseph University.

03/03/2005

Lebanese bishops call for interim government, urge unity

03/03/2005

Russia and US press Syria to pull its troops out of Lebanon

Diplomatic manoeuvres are underway in the Arab world. Syrian President Assad is expected in Saudi Arabia: Saudi-Egyptian pullout plan to be discussed.

01/03/2005

People power sinks Karami government

Situation unbearable, Interior Minister says, urges calm. Patriarch Sfeir is scheduled to meet US President Bush on March 16 in Washington.

28/02/2005

Anti-Syrian demonstration defies government ban

Protesters gather overnight in Martyrs Square. Central Beirut is guarded by the Army. Today, parliament will discuss Hariri's killing and vote on a motion of no-confidence in the government.

28/02/2005

Syria out, say Lebanese Christians and Muslims

Religious leaders reiterate importance of intra-Lebanese dialogue and demand respect for the country's sovereignty.

27/02/2005

Dialogue between opposition and pro-Syrian faction urgent, says Maronite Patriarch

US envoy reiterates his government's support for UN resolution calling on Syria to pullout from Lebanon.

21/02/2005

Maronite Patriarch says Syria should withdraw in a situation of calm and dialogue

Christian demonstrators shout that today the revolt for independence has begun

18/02/2005

Papal telegram to Patriarch Sfeir for Rafik Hariri's death

17/02/2005

After Hariri's death, US official invites Patriarch Sfeir to the US

US Assistant Secretary meets Maronite Patriarch and reiterates threat of sanctions against Syria if Damascus does not respect UN resolution.

16/02/2005

A freedom-crushing regime behind Hariri's assassination, Lebanese Bishops say

Former PM Hariri, who was killed in a terrorist attack, was laid to rest today in a private ceremony after the family refused a state funeral.

15/02/2005

Patriarch and Vatican's nuncio offer their condolences to Hariri's family

Maronite bishops to hold an extraordinary synod tomorrow on the country's dramatic situation after Hariri's assassination. Newspapers published photos of former p.m. with John Paul II.